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Showing posts with the label The Finnish Concept of Resilience

The Story of Sukanya and Sage Chyavana

Introduction In Sanatan Scriptures, Sukanya was the daughter of King Sharyati, son of Vaivasvata Manu, and later became the wife of the great sage Chyavana. The sage had spent so many years in deep meditation that his body was covered by an anthill and a bird’s nest had formed over him. One day, the young and curious Sukanya noticed two shining objects inside the nest. Unaware that they were the sage’s eyes, she playfully poked at them, causing him to lose his sight. Enraged by this act, Chyavana cursed the kingdom, but Sukanya’s father pacified him by offering his daughter’s hand in marriage. Despite Chyavana’s old age and blindness, Sukanya accepted her role as his wife and devotedly cared for him with cheerfulness and loyalty. One day, the celestial physicians of the gods, the Ashwini Kumaras—twin brothers renowned for their beauty and healing powers—saw Sukanya and were struck by her radiant charm. Believing her beauty was better suited for heaven, they asked her to abandon her hus...

SISU: The Finnish Concept of Resilience

Introduction In a world filled with challenges and setbacks, the quest for resilience has become paramount. Resilience is more than just overcoming hardship; it's about flourishing in the midst of it. And when it comes to resilience, few cultures embody it as profoundly as the Finns, who have a word for this indomitable spirit: Sisu. Sisu, pronounced "see-soo," is a unique Finnish concept that encapsulates grit, determination, and courage in the face of adversity. It's an intrinsic quality deeply embedded in the Finnish psyche, influencing how they approach life's challenges. But what exactly is Sisu, and how can we incorporate this powerful mindset into our own lives? At its core, Sisu is about perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. It's the ability to summon inner strength and tenacity when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. While resilience is a universal trait found in every culture, Sisu has distinct characteristics that set it ap...